A series of emerging technologies is changing the academic landscape, enhancing children’s talents and creativity, experts have revealed.
The findings were highlighted at the second annual conference on childhood care and development staged yesterday at InterContinental Bahrain in Manama by licensed educational training institution Honour Code.
The expo was themed ‘Envisioning the future of gifted children and the reality of identifying, nurturing and developing them in the light of the third millennium’.
Several international speakers gathered under one roof, bringing alive important discussions and burning issues, from innovative leadership and special needs to digital transformation, through talks and panels.
The event was attended by scores of professionals in childcare and related sectors, alongside ministry officials and other guests.
“Smart learning using AI-powered (artificial intelligence) puppet-based instruction is popular in schools in the UK, Finland and Japan,” Ahlia University assistant professor Dr Fatema Al Dhaen told the GDN.
Dr Al Dhaen
“It broadens the scope for innovation, creativity and imagination in children. While this is not available in the Gulf region, a number of schools in the UAE and Qatar host special augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) laboratories,” she added.
“While the main intent for this is to teach students about culture and national identity, giving them a glimpse of how life in these countries was about 50 years ago, these tools also expand the scope of pedagogy and how children engage in learning environments.”
Elaborating on the benefits, Dr Al Dhaen noted that AI platforms were an excellent problem-solving tool and provide instant feedback, which motivates children to learn.
“Sometimes, children do not ask questions because they do not want to sound silly. AI helps reduce that possibility,” she added.
On the flip side, Dr Dhaen pointed out, these technologies are expensive and an over dependence on AI, for instance, especially at a young age might curb socialisation. However, she noted that this is where the human element comes in.
“Emerging technologies are not meant to replace traditional learning rather to enhance them,” she remarked.
The role of these know-how, in fact, does not end here. The latest digital creations are also proving useful in recognising potential skill sets among students.
Qatar-based teacher trainer and AI instructor Sherif Abdel Moneim, who works at Al Andalus Educational Complex, spoke about the application of AI to discover and nurture young talents.
“A few months ago, we started working on a project in Saudi Arabia where we developed tests for children that can help us discover their potential. These tests are made according to global standards. Once we have the results, we analyse them using AI and categorise the students according to their skill set. We then see how to enrich and improve them,” Mr Abdel Moneim explained, adding that tool takes into account different abilities – not just intelligence in the conventional sense.
Mr Abdel Moneim
“IQ (intelligence quotient) tests focus mainly on things like numerical ability. We try to cover all kinds of intelligence and the different types of hobbies. We discover personality traits and measure personal attitudes, like ‘does the student have leadership qualities’, for example.
“We put the students in specific situations and we give them options they must choose from, which helps us identify which direction the child is leaning toward. After this, we develop KPIs and monitor the data to measure improvement,” he said, ahead of his talk.
Other areas that were discussed during the conference included the importance of diet and activity to boost cognitive functioning, integrating special needs into mainstream education to ensure equal opportunities, technique and tools to identify children with leadership and exceptional talents.
The programme also highlighted Bahrain’s many policies and initiatives toward child development. The National Childhood Strategy 2023-2027, for instance, aims to continue providing a safe and sustainable environment for child development and growth, and Child Law No 37, promulgated in 2012, protects child rights across various spheres.
Further, the Social Development Ministry offers support systems for children like the Child Protection Centre, which safeguards those up to the age of 18 from all forms of abuse and neglect. A support help line – 998 – is also available.
A recent BNA report, dated July 2025, highlighted that the Education Ministry was undertaking the largest expansion to date in accommodating students with autism and intellectual disabilities, following the completion of 23 newly-equipped and furnished classrooms across Bahrain.
Additional plans include an increase in fully equipped school buses designated for students with disabilities.
A previous GDN report, dated March 2024, recorded that 7,990 students with learning disabilities were being educated in government schools, highlighting the kingdom’s inclusive approach.
The expo continues today and will feature a series of specialised workshops and other activities.
melissa@gdnmedia.bh
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